Urban Views Weekly January 4, 2017 by Urban Views Weekly

Scholar of the Week - ??? Jan. 4, 2017

Reynoldsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Super Saturday registration, Jan. 7, 8:30 a.m. - noon

Reynolds Community College is preparing the workforce of today and tomorrow

Get updates throughout the week

Civic Beat FUNdraising Good Times

The FUNdraising Doctor is in! Part Two of a Two-Part Series

The financial health of an organization is often attributed to the board of directors. The composition of the board, its actions, the level of giving, and the recognition of individual members all impact financial health. Part one of this series provided information on nine symptoms of board health. This article discusses eight symptoms of compromised health. Use the following list to see if your board needs to improve its health. 1. Community members and stakeholders cannot identify the organization’s leadership. When individuals, foundations and granting agencies consider making a gift, they often look at the board to see if it represents the constituency served; and if it includes local or national leadership, thoughtleaders and individuals of financial means. Some donors look at the board list first before reviewing other materials.

need to help put their suggestions into action. 8. Members are satisfied with the status quo. The board should be future-focused and looking for ways to improve advocacy, education and/or services. Members should be cultivating future leadership, evaluating the organization’s direction and updating its strategic plan. 9. Members are unable to make the case for financial support. The key to making the case is knowing the organization’s top three fundraising priorities and their potential impact. As with physical health, it is best to know if you have a “health challenge.” Untreated challenges can lead to unwanted consequences. Too often the biggest challenge lies in not knowing you have a challenge. The first step is diagnosis. If your board needs to improve its health, visit www.saadandshaw.com.

2. All responsibility lies with staff. When staff is responsible for fundraising, you can rest assured that you are not raising the money you could. People give to people and to those who are volunteering their time and donating their own money. When staff takes on the responsibility of fundraising, it is often because board members are not fully enough engaged to ask others to give. 3. Finger pointing without offering solid solutions. No one likes to be criticized. But most of us are eager to improve. Suggestions that address current challenges are welcomed especially when you are willing to help create the change you want to see.

4. Lack of individual leadership and initiative. For a board to be collectively strong, individual members need to demonstrate leadership and initiative by taking on projects that impact the institution’s finances or programs. 5. Sparse attendance at key meetings. When attendance

starts to dwindle, it is time to look at meeting content. Are members asked to passively sit through staff reports? Are they engaged in projects they report on? Are you “meeting to meet?” 6. Inactivity renders board members and volunteers a liability. Without assigned tasks, board members can focus on areas that are not a priority creating more work and taking an organization off track.

This column is an excerpt from FUNdraising Good Times Classics available on Amazon.com (http://bit.ly/ SaadShawBooks) . For help growing your fundraising visit www.saadandshaw.com, or call (901) 522-8727.

Letter To The Editor

If you would like to respond to Viewpoints, your submission should contain your name, a full valid address and a daytime phone number. We cannot acknowledge submitted letters. We reserve the right to edit for accuracy, clarity, legality and taste. E-mail (without attachments) to editor@urbanviewsweekly.com. Mail letters to Editor Urban Views Weekly.

7. All talk and no action. There’s only so much free advice an organization can use. Board members

Ervin B. Clarke, Publisher publisher@urbanviewsweekly.com

VOL. 10, ISSUE 1

Let’s talk about growing your business. Ask us how: (804) 441-6255 2

Urban Views Weekly | January 4, 2017

Urban Views Weekly, LLC 6802 Paragon Place, Suite 410 Richmond, VA 23230 Office: (804) 441-6255 Fax: (888) 439-2534

Cover photo courtesy of Reynolds Community College

Flora C. Clarke, Administrative Assistant flora@urbanviewsweekly.com Shelia O. Spurlock-Shaw, Advertising shelia@urbanviewsweekly.com Nickkol Lewis, Art Director Visual Appeal, LLC | visualappealstudio.com

www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

Health News

sponsored by VCU Health

Cervical Cancer Awareness Month January is Cervical Health Awareness Month. The cervix is the lower, narrow end of the uterus. The cervix connects the vagina (birth canal) to the upper part of the uterus. The uterus (or womb) is where a baby grows when a woman is pregnant. Each year, an estimated 12,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer, and, of those, about one-third will die as a result of the cancer. But cervical cancer is also a highly preventable and treatable cancer, thanks to improved screening and vaccination. January is dedicated to focusing on increasing the number of eligible women getting the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. HPV is common among women and is the main cause of cervical cancer. It’s estimated that at least 75 percent of the reproductive-age population has been infected with one or more types of genital HPV. In the vast majority of cases, the virus causes no symptoms or health problems and goes away on its own when a healthy immune system clears the infection. But, in about 5 percent of women, a persistent infection occurs with high-risk strains of HPV, which causes nearly all cases of cervical cancer. Cervical Health Awareness Month is a chance to raise awareness about how women can protect themselves from HPV and cervical cancer. HPV is a very common infection that spreads through sexual activity. About 79 million Americans currently have HPV. Many people with HPV don’t know they are infected. Cervical cancer screenings can help detect abnormal cells early, before they turn into cancer. The

J. Chevonte’ Alexander

Getting an HPV Vaccine

two screenings that are used to examine if cervical tissue has precancerous cells before they turn into invasive cancer are the: • Pap test (sometimes called the Pap smear) – This fairly simple procedure collects cells from the cervix so that they can be looked at under the microscope to find cancer and pre-cancer. Pap Smears should begin at age 21 (or when a female becomes sexually active) and take place every 3-5 years depending on your age (but it is still important to go for an annual exam each year). • HPV test – One of the most important risk factors for developing cervical cancer is an HPV infection. The test is done similarly to the Pap test in terms of how the sample is collected, and it sometimes can even be done on the same sample. The American Cancer Society recommends this combination for women 30 and older.

Two HPV vaccines are available to protect females against the types of HPV that cause most cervical, vaginal and vulvar cancers. Both vaccines are recommended for 11- and 12-year-old girls, and for females 13 through 26 years of age who did not get any or all of the shots when they were younger. These vaccines also can be given to girls as young as 9 years of age. It is recommended that females get the same vaccine brand for all three doses, whenever possible. It is important to note that women who are vaccinated against HPV still need to have regular Pap tests to screen for cervical cancer. Other steps to help prevent or lower the risk of cervical cancer include: • Stop smoking, or don’t start • Use condom protection during sex • Limit the number of sexual partners. The greater the number of partners, the higher the risk of contracting HPV • Get checked regularly and talk with your doctor Make sure you share information with your family and friends to keep cervical cancer at the forefront (VIDEO) You Can Prevent Cervical Cancer: https:// youtu.be/PRpLffWXSos

Cervical Cancer: Guard Against a Silent Killer Often there are no symptoms of cervical cancer, so by the time it is detected, it has spread and is difficult to treat. But cervical cancer is preventable through the HPV vaccine and regular Pap tests. The HPV vaccine protects against the HPV virus, which causes most cervical cancers. Pap tests can find precancers that can be removed, stopping cervical cancer before it starts.

Learn more at MasseyCervicalCancer.com www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

Urban Views Weekly | January 4, 2017

ViewPoints

By Dr. T

What good is your life, IF you don’t use it? ‘Tis the season when we all begin to reflect on the year that we just finished up, thinking about all the things we did or didn’t do, the people we lost or disappointed, the things that once seemed possible until they no longer were, and we lose ourselves in the depths of despair, disappointment or regret. It is hard for some of us to move on to the possibilities of a brand New Year because we are stuck or, even, exhausted from what last year took us through! Sometimes we get so lost in the forest we forget to look at the trees. There is more than enough sorrow and tragedy in the world to overwhelm us all and often very few answers as to why. Why? Perhaps rather than dwell on questions for which there are few answers, we should ask ourselves, what? What can we learn from our life’s experiences whether tragic, challenging or overwhelming?

all have a path to walk in life and sometimes our disappointments can give us insight into the “What” we are supposed to be doing with that difficult experience or challenge rather than the “Why” did it happen to me? When we are struggling and cannot seem to get ourselves back up from being knocked down, disappointed or defeated, we need to change our perspective on how we are looking at the situation. There’s a BIG difference between falling down with your face in the dirt and staying down there in the dirt with everything blacked out, as compared to falling down and turning over so you can at least look up and see the light. It’s not in any way denying the defeat or disappointment, but it is a matter of changing your perspective about it. ---Turning your reflection outward more than inward.

“What can we learn from our life’s experiences whether tragic, challenging or overwhelming?”

New Year’s resolutions seldom yield the desired outcomes What has passed cannot be relived, but it can be used to we so fervently make commitments to achieve. We usually inform our present and empower our future. I do believe fall short of the benchmarks we set for ourselves and then for everything there is a season and purpose for everything no matter how earnestly we profess our adherence to the under heaven. What are you supposed to be doing with goals we set and a desire to see them through to a most your life and those life’s experiences that have uniquely and glorious conclusion, it usually takes but a few weeks to specifically challenged you or changed you? What can be completely fall short or utterly fail. Unfortunately, very few gained from where you have been even in the past year to New Year’s resolutions see their way through to a successful help you navigate this next one? Or even help someone conclusion. Rather than whipping ourselves up into a froth else to walk out a similar challenge, frustration or defeat of false expectations and unrealistic goals or outcomes, we in his or her own life? What you have been through is not should look to the lessons learned in the year gone by, the serendipitous, but rather specifically designed to enhance disappointments and even the tremendous losses that we and empower your life and the lives of the people with may have suffered and see what we can take away from whom your life intersects. Rather than why, ask what and each one of them to use then how…how can I use for the benefit of ourselves my life for my GOOD and Tawnya Pettiford-Wates, Ph.D. or others. What can we do in the service of others? Founder and Artistic Director with our life’s experiences Then you will know what The Conciliation Project and Associate Professor that will illuminate the path your life is for and why… of our purpose for being you are here on this earth. Virginia Commonwealth University here on this earth? We DrT@Margins2theCenter.com | www.theconciliationproject.org 4

Urban Views Weekly | January 4, 2017

Spiritual Music is our Specialty

Barky’s Spiritual Stores 18 East Broad Street | Richmond, VA 23219

Do All The Good You Can... For All The People You Can... CDs, DVDs, Clergy Shirts, Sheet Music, Hymnals, Etc.

804-643-1987 | barkysorders@yahoo.com

AFFORDABLE

Apartment Rentals

1 and 2 Bedroom Units Starting at

FOR

REN

$425 per Month

No Application fee!

We work with credit issues! “Ask about FREE MONTHS RENT” Zacharias Brothers Realty

Please call 329-6249 or 271-1220

ASK FOR “URBAN VIEWS” DISCOUNT

CALL 271-1220

www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

The Deal

By Nathaniel Sillin

How to Turn Monetary Gifts into Teachable Moments Children and teenagers who received monetary gifts for the holidays are often excited to choose what to buy. While they should be allowed to spend some of the money or gift cards, as a parent, you could also use these windfall gains as an opportunity to teach and practice important personal finance lessons. Here are a few ideas to start with, although you can alter the message or subject matter to match your child’s experience and ability to understand the topic. Create money goals together. Planning how your child will save or spend monetary gifts is a valuable skill and practice no matter their age. (If you don’t have a personal plan, this is a great opportunity to set an example by developing your financial path as well.) You can start by drawing three columns — spending, saving and giving — and having them write a few goals for

up all they received and divide it into each column. Offer guidance to help them determine how much to put into saving and charity, taking the time to explain your reasoning.

each. Explain the difference and importance of long- and short-term goals, and the value of having an emergency fund (for kids this could help pay for a car repair or bike tire). Set priorities and discuss the big picture. Have them add

They’ll likely find that there isn’t enough money to make a significant impact on all their goals and they’ll need to prioritize based on how important each goal is to them. Share your own experiences and how sometimes it’s better to save for a bigger and better purchase later. You could also have them calculate how expected earnings from allowance, working or upcoming holidays or birthdays could help them achieve their unrealized goals. Decide where to store the savings. If they don’t already have one, it might be a good time to open a bank account with your children. Go over the differences between a checking and savings account

Registration Super Saturday

Continues to Page 11

Jan 7 | 8:30 a.m. - Noon Spring Classes Start January 9 reynolds.edu UrbanViews_2016_9.5x4.89.indd www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

Downtown • Goochland Parham Road Urban Views Weekly | January 4, 2017

12/8/16 12:15 5 PM

Average number of minutes it takes to complete a free application to Reynolds

This New Year, p

After the holidays our thoughts begin to shift to a new year with fresh beginnings and opportunities to learn and grow. What will you do in 2017 to reach the future you envision for yourself? Is it a better paying job? Or being the first in your family to attend college? Reynolds can be an important step on your path. Nearly 18,000 students at Reynolds are creating their future by planning for not only a job but a career. Did you know that not all career paths require a degree? Reynolds offers more than 85 degree and certificate programs that lead to exciting careers. Students can take classes online, or at one of its three campuses located downtown in Jackson Ward, in Goochland County, or on Parham Road. TUITION at Reynolds is 1/3 the cost of most four-year public colleges in Virginia. Nearly 67% of first-year students at Reynolds receive some type of financial aid. And more than 100 Reynolds scholarships are available to also help students afford college. About 72% of Reynolds students are part-time, and juggle family, work, and school. Because life happens! Advisors are ready to advise you and help you complete your program on time.

and better prepare for the four-year college environment.

There is a FREE SHUTTLE for Reynolds students between Downtown Campus and Parham Road Campus to attend classes and student life events. Public transit is also available two blocks from our Downtown Campus.

Reynolds also has a GED TO COLLEGE/ WORKFORCE TRAINING PROGRAM known as the Middle College. Middle College is partnering with the Capital Region Adult Education programs to offer the PluggedInVA GED to College/Workforce training program. This program is free for qualified students. Call (804) 523-5345 for more information.

ACADEMIC TUTORING is no cost for students, and there are more than 25 student clubs to join. Clubs range from American Sign Language, Anime, Business, and Culinary Arts Careers, to Fashion, Multicultural, and Music. The CAREER, EMPLOYMENT, AND TRANSFER CENTER helps students plan which program will lead to a specific career. In addition to careeroriented certificates, Reynolds offers programs that lead to the two-year Associate of Arts (AA) degree or Associate of Science (AAS) degree. These programs are designed for students who plan to transfer to a university or four-year college. Reynolds has dozens of GUARANTEED TRANSFER OPTIONS available to four-year colleges and universities. Students can get their start at Reynolds, save thousands of dollars,

500+

The average number of Reynolds students who transfer to VCU each year.

SOURCE: State Council of Higher Education Virginia, 2014-2015

M e h t o D 6

Urban Views Weekly | January 4, 2017

plan your career! By Kelly A. Smith, Director of Marketing, Reynolds Community College

Number of exciting career paths and academic majors to choose from.

Thomas Jefferson High School ’14 graduate John is currently in the Administration of Justice AAS degree program at Reynolds. He is from a family of law enforcement and wanted to continue that legacy. He dreams of becoming a police officer in Henrico County. “I wanted to see if college was for me. And if I was capable of holding the caseload here. And I am,” he said. “What motivated me was that a degree will get me further in this world. An associate degree is a good start. And will save you a lot of money if want to pursue a bachelors degree, too.”

“Work hard, believe in yourself, and never give up.” Huguenot High School graduate Shauneal got her start at Reynolds through Dual Enrollment classes. Today she is a biology major at VCU and dreams of a career in dentistry through the VCU School of Dentistry.

1 in 3 healthcare workers got their start at Reynolds

“Reynolds has helped me in so many ways. Taking the Human Anatomy class with Dr. Young opened me up to dentistry or even medical school. The tutoring center helped me,” said the Reynolds May 2015 graduate.

1 in 4 workers in the Greater Richmond region has attended Reynolds

“My advisor explained my GPA requirements and gave me all the information to come to VCU.”

continues on page 8

! h t Ma

Now

Open!

! s r e b e num

Fam

h t y b , n .org u f ily ww.smv

Expand your network and Grow your business. Special thanks to our premier partners:

Photos courtesy of Reynolds Community College

www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

Reynolds from page 7

High demand jobs in RVA AAS = Associate of Applied Science Degree C = Certificate CSC = Career Studies Certificate

JOB TITLE

REYNOLDS DEGREE/CERTIFICATE OPTIONS

AVERAGE SALARY*

Web Developers

Information Systems Technology - Web Design CSC

$ 67,500

Registered Nurses

Nursing AAS & LPN to Nursing AAS

$ 64,500

Supervisors of Construction and Extraction Workers

Architectural and Engineering Technology AAS

$ 58,300

Interpreters and Translators

American Sign Language AAS and CSC

$ 57,300

Respiratory Therapists

Respiratory Therapy AAS

$ 56,400

Firefighters

Fire Science Technology AAS and C

$ 54,100

Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers

Criminal Justice CSC

$ 50,000

Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics

Automotive Technology AAS and C

$ 44,700

Welders

Welding CSC

$ 44,000

Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors

Substance Abuse Counseling Education CSC

$ 42,500

Chefs and Head Cooks

Culinary Arts AAS

$ 42,200

Opticians (Eye Care)

Opticianry AAS

$ 40,800

Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses

Practical Nursing C

$ 40,200

Dental Assistants

Dental Assisting C

$ 39,700

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians

Medical Laboratory Technology AAS

$ 37,100

Medical Records and Health Information Technicians

Medical Records Coder CSC

$ 35,200

Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators

CCWA† Forklift Operator Training C

$ 34,200

Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics

Emergency Medical Services CSC

$ 31,200

Phlebotomists (Blood Work Technician)

Medical Laboratory Technology AAS and CCWA† Phlebotomy Technician C

$ 30,100

Nursing Assistants (CNA)

Health Care Technician CSC and CCWA† Certified Nurse Aid C

$ 25,300

*Salary range varies from entry-level to experienced.

SOURCE: Chmura Economics and Analytics, JobsEQ®, 12/02/2016

†The Community College Workforce Alliance (CCWA) is the workforce development partnership between John Tyler Community College and Reynolds Community College providing non-credit training, custom-designed instruction, consulting, skills assessments, and educational programs in Richmond, Chester and Midlothian. www.ccwatraining.org

WHERE OUTSTANDING CAREERS GET STARTED reynolds.edu | (804) 371-3000 | DOWNTOWN • GOOCHLAND • PARHAM ROAD CAMPUS TOURS

Parham Road Campus | first Friday of the month Downtown Campus | third Friday of the month Goochland Campus | fourth Friday of the month

CONTACT

(804) 371-3000 | infocenter@reynolds.edu 8

Urban Views Weekly | January 4, 2017

SUPER SATURDAY SPRING REGISTRATION Saturday, January 7 | 8:30 a.m. to noon Enrollment advisors are ready to help you!

Summer class registration | April 24 - May 21 Summer classes begin May 22 Fall class registration | June 12 through August 20 Fall classes begin August 21

Spring classes begin January 9

www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

SAVOR

Family Features Courtesy Frank’s Redhot

Birthdays • Anniversaries • Weddings • Funerals

Big Game Snacks for the Win The big game is almost here: two teams, a room full of fans and a spread of fan-favorite foods to keep everybody going. Whether everyone’s at your place or you’re heading somewhere else to watch the game, you want to make sure the place is stocked with flavorful snacks that will wow the crowd. This year, step up your game with clutch recipes loaded with bold flavor and plenty of heat. One of the most popular party favorites is buffalo chicken dip. It is a must-have because it’s creamy, cheesy and loaded with great-tasting buffalo flavor. Serve it up with fresh-cut celery or bell peppers, baby carrots, crackers and pita bread, and you’ll add some kick to your sporty celebration. Plus, this recipe provides a way to include those traditional football flavors without the mess of hot wings. A kick can make or break a game, and the right

Flowers & Gifts for All Occasions

sauce can make or break your recipe. Not only is Frank’s RedHot a game-day staple, it was the key ingredient in the firstever buffalo wings back in 1964. It’s an essential ingredient for any big game food lineup, so make sure you’ve got plenty on hand.

Place your next florist order with Bland’s

Florist!

618 East Washington Street Petersburg, VA 23805 (804) 732-5319 • (800) 426-4314

Celebrating 50 Years in Business www.BlandsFlorist.com

Once you’ve got the dip prepared for kickoff, it’s time to turn to something a little more unexpected. Round out your game-day lineup with an amazing flavor combination they won’t see coming – something sweet, tangy and savory that brings just the right amount of heat: Sweet Chili Meatballs. Bite-sized meatballs made with ginger, fresh cilantro, green onions and sweet chili sauce are baked before getting doused in even more sweet chili sauce, making them an irresistibly tasty addition to any game day spread. If the game heads into overtime, no need to worry because these meatballs will stay warm in the slow cooker all game long.

Buffalo Chicken Dip 2

cups shredded cooked chicken

1/2 cup ranch dressing

1 package cream cheese (8 ounces), softened

1/2 cup crumbled bleu cheese or other shredded cheese

1/2 Cayenne Pepper Sauce or Buffalo Wings Sauce

Heat oven to 350°F.

through. Stir.

In shallow, 1-quart baking dish, combine all ingredients.

Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired. Serve with tortilla chips, crackers and/or vegetables.

Bake 20 minutes, or until mixture is heated

green onions, chopped (optional)

Sweet Chili Meatballs 1

tablespoon fresh ginger, finely minced

Heat oven to 350°F.

1/3 cup Japanese panko crumbs or bread crumbs

large egg, beaten

1/4 cup cilantro, finely chopped

12 ounces Sweet Chili Sauce, divided

Mix ground meat, panko crumbs, cilantro, green onion, ginger, egg, salt and 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce. Form into one-inch meatballs.

pound lean ground turkey or ground beef

green onions, chopped

www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

1/2 teaspoon salt

Bake 20 minutes, turning once halfway through. Put meatballs in slow cooker on warm.

With slow cooker on low to keep meatballs warm, pour remaining sweet chili sauce over Place meatballs on lightly greased baking sheets. meatballs. Gently stir to coat. Urban Views Weekly | January 4, 2017

Black Restaurant Week is coming to RVA Richmond Black Restaurant Week is a chance for Black-Owned Restaurants to offer dining deals to bring in new customers and raise awareness. This successful promotion is quickly spreading around the country in major metropolitan areas. The weeklong event kicked off in Memphis and generated close to $100,000 in sales for the 8 participating eateries in March 2016. Other participating cities include: • Atlanta • Orlando • Nashville • Washington, DC • Birmingham • Lexington • St. Louis

Proudly supported by